All the Calphalon that I have used, and that my friends who are Chefs use, have hot spots. They seem to have a HUGE marketing department, but fall far short in their ability to provide a good/superior product compared to others.
That being said, don't knock anything coming from China or Brazil. It seems that EVERYTHING is now made overseas.
I have a kitchen at home full of Technique cookware from QVC. I was doubtful at first of the quality. However, I've now been using it for 5 years and I am very impressed. I have given away most of my other cookware I had before, including Calphalon, because I like the Technique cookware so much.
Remember the acronym B.R.I.C.K. when purchasing goods.
Those are the developing countries to look out for.
Good stuff, at a low price.
B.R.I.C.K.
Brazil
Romania
Ireland
China
Korea
For instance, I was at a Chevy dealership last week. They could not sell Chevy branded vehicles. According to the sales lady I was speaking with they were selling 3 or 4 Chevy's a month.
However, on the same lot they sold Kia/Hundai vehicles.
They could not get those Korean made cars fast enough.
Don't knock foreign companies. I really hate to say it (being that I am unemployed), but the days where "Made in USA" meant something are pretty much over.
